Turkey apple chili has been my go-to comfort food ever since I stumbled upon this amazing variation a few autumns ago. I was craving something hearty and warming, but also wanted to capture the essence of the season. The combination of savory ground turkey with the sweet, tender chunks of apples and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg just sings of fall harvest. The aroma that fills my kitchen as this easy turkey apple chili simmers is pure bliss, promising a delicious and healthy meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Apple Chili
This isn’t just any chili; it’s a flavor explosion that will have you hooked!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sweet apples and warming spices create a unique sweet and savory turkey chili experience.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from ground turkey and nutritious vegetables, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Quick & Easy: This easy turkey apple chili comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Seasonal Delight: It perfectly captures the cozy essence of autumn turkey apple chili with every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or get creative with your favorite toppings.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and Paleo-friendly for those with specific dietary needs.
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ingredients makes this a truly filling and comforting meal.
Ingredients for Turkey Apple Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious ground turkey and apple chili:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – for sautéing and building flavor
- 1 pound Ground Turkey – lean is best for a healthy base
- 2 cups Diced Apples – Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully for a touch of sweetness
- 2 large Carrots, sliced – adds earthy sweetness and texture
- 2 cups Sweet Potatoes, sliced – for hearty texture and natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder – a foundational savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder – essential aromatic
- 1 teaspoon Salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1 teaspoon Pepper – for a little bit of warmth
- 1 teaspoon Rubbed Sage – brings out the autumn turkey apple chili vibe
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon – complements the apples beautifully
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg – adds a warm, subtle spice
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder – adjust this for your preferred heat level in this turkey chili with fruit
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste – concentrates the tomato flavor
- 28 ounces Crushed & Strained Tomatoes – forms the chili base
- 1 can Kidney Beans (optional) – for an extra hearty, traditional chili feel
How to Make Turkey Apple Chili
Making this hearty turkey and apple chili is surprisingly straightforward, even with all the wonderful flavors packed in! It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the fall harvest to your table.
- Step 1: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. This initial step builds a lovely flavor base.
- Step 2: Add the 2 cups of diced apples, 2 large carrots (sliced), and 2 cups of sweet potatoes (sliced) to the pot. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Sauté these vegetables and apples for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften and the spices become wonderfully aromatic.
- Step 3: Now, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot. Cook this over medium heat, breaking it apart with your spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the chili powder is fragrant. This really deepens the flavor of the chili.
- Step 5: Pour in the 28 ounces of crushed and strained tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re adding the optional 1 can of kidney beans for a more traditional feel, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve your delicious turkey apple chili hot, perhaps with your favorite toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt or some chopped fresh parsley.
Quick Turkey Apple Chili Prep
You can get this easy turkey apple chili on the stove in just 15 minutes! Slicing the vegetables and dicing the apples is the most time-consuming part, but it’s worth every second for this quick turkey apple chili.
Slow Cooker Turkey Apple Chili Option
To adapt this for a slow cooker, sauté the ground turkey separately and drain. Then, combine all ingredients (except beans if using) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add beans in the last hour.
Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Apple Chili
I’ve made this turkey apple chili countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. They ensure every bite is packed with flavor and the perfect texture.
- Choose the Right Apples: For this sweet and savory turkey chili, I prefer apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They offer a lovely sweetness without turning to mush.
- Don’t Skip the Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage is key to that cozy autumn turkey apple chili vibe. Toasting the chili powder and tomato paste briefly before adding liquids intensifies their flavor.
- Brown the Turkey Well: Get a good sear on the ground turkey. This adds depth and a richer flavor profile to your hearty turkey and apple chili.
What’s the secret to perfect Turkey Apple Chili?
The magic lies in balancing the sweet apples with savory spices and lean ground turkey. Using a good quality chili powder and letting it bloom in the pot before adding liquids is crucial for developing that deep, complex flavor in your turkey apple chili recipe. For more information on blooming spices, check out this guide.
Can I make Turkey Apple Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This hearty turkey and apple chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating. This is a great example of how meal prep can save you time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Turkey Apple Chili?
Don’t overcook the apples; you want them tender, not mushy. Also, be sure to brown the ground turkey properly for maximum flavor. Lastly, taste and adjust seasonings before serving to ensure your turkey apple chili is perfectly balanced.
Best Ways to Serve Turkey Apple Chili
This amazing turkey apple chili is so versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic fall harvest turkey chili that pairs beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal. I love serving it piping hot, straight from the pot.
- Classic Comfort: Serve this hearty turkey and apple chili in bowls topped with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some crumbled tortilla chips. It’s a simple yet satisfying presentation.
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or cornbread is the absolute perfect companion for dipping into this savory apple turkey stew. The bread soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- As a Topping: For a lighter option, use this healthy turkey apple chili as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. It adds a burst of flavor and heartiness.
Nutrition Facts for Turkey Apple Chili
This healthy turkey apple chili is wonderfully balanced. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (recipe makes 4 bowls):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your turkey apple chili recipe. For more information on healthy eating, consider resources like the USDA MyPlate guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat Turkey Apple Chili
One of the best things about this easy turkey apple chili is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious autumn turkey apple chili has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this hearty turkey and apple chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it fully before packaging it for the freezer.
Reheating is simple! For refrigerated chili, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. Frozen turkey apple chili should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop method for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Apple Chili
Can I use different types of apples in this turkey apple chili recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are my favorites for their texture and sweetness, you can certainly experiment. Granny Smith apples will add a tartness that balances the richness, making for a more complex sweet and savory turkey chili. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.
What kind of ground turkey is best for this hearty turkey and apple chili?
I recommend using ground turkey that’s around 85-93% lean. Using leaner meat can sometimes result in a drier chili, so a little bit of fat helps keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s a key component for the best turkey apple chili recipe.
How spicy can I make this turkey apple chili?
To kick up the heat in your turkey apple chili, you can add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the vegetables. For a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chili powder called for in the recipe. Taste and adjust as you go!
Can I make this turkey chili with fruit vegetarian?
While this recipe is specifically designed around ground turkey and apples, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative or an extra can of beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and more sweet potato for heartiness. You’ll still get that wonderful apple and spice combination. You can find great plant-based alternatives at many stores.
Variations of Turkey Apple Chili You Can Try
This turkey apple chili recipe is a fantastic base, and I love experimenting with it! Whether you’re looking to adjust the heat, cater to dietary needs, or try a different cooking method, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. These variations ensure you can enjoy a delicious bowl of turkey chili with fruit anytime.
Spicy Turkey Apple Chili Variation
For those who love a kick, easily transform this into a spicy turkey apple chili. Add a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the aromatics, increase the chili powder to 2 tablespoons, and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, top with sliced fresh chilies!
Vegetarian Turkey Apple Chili Alternative
Craving a meatless version? Create a hearty vegetarian turkey apple chili by swapping the ground turkey for 1.5 cups of cooked black beans or lentils. You can also add an extra cup of diced sweet potato or butternut squash for a similar texture and heartiness. This makes a wonderful vegetarian turkey apple chili.
Print
Turkey Apple Chili: 1 Amazing Fall Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Paleo
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Turkey Apple Chili, a delightful blend of savory ground turkey with sweet diced apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes, perfect for cozy fall nights. This recipe is gluten-free and Paleo-friendly, offering a hearty and healthy meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Turkey
- 2 cups Diced Apples
- 2 large Carrots, sliced
- 2 cups Sweet Potatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Rubbed Sage
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 28 ounces Crushed & Strained Tomatoes
- 1 can Kidney Beans (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add diced apples, sliced carrots, and sliced sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart, for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined and aromatic.
- Pour in crushed and strained tomatoes. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. If using kidney beans, stir them in during the last 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of crushed tomatoes or add more tomato paste.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred heat level.
- Cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months.
- Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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